Using the bullet journal and calligraphy to cultivate an intentional life

How I Bullet Journal in a Traveler’s Notebook

When I learned about the Bullet Journal system, I was quickly drawn to the option of housing this system inside a traveler’s notebook. The original bullet journal system is primarily in one notebook — but I quickly realized how much I wanted some semblance of categorization or separation in one place. This led me to the rabbit hole of traveler’s notebooks.

Despite a few downfalls, I love this system because I can separate different parts of my life, replace one portion at a time, add whatever parts I want, and further customize what works for me. To feed the beast is the new Facebook group, Bullet Journal in a Traveler’s Notebook.

Now, nearly a year later, I still swear by this system. I love its simultaneous structure and flexibility, and I’ve never stuck with something longer than this! In my newest video I walk through:

The basics of a traveler’s notebook

What to consider when you purchase one

Considerations for the kinds of inserts to put inside

Possibilities and ideas for what your setup could look like

My current traveler’s notebook set up is currently: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which simply means if you end up buying something, I will make a small commission at NO additional charge to you

I love your system!! You inspired me to switch from notebook to inserts! I need to keep my teaching stuff separate from personal. I loved your last post on educator tips. I immediately took one of my 15 extra inserts (went a bit crazy on etsy inserts) and made one so I keep 5 inserts: daily, educator, collections, art journal and a weekly insert for future planning. I love my system… Bought a FoxyFix which is gorgeous! I buy my a5 inserts from Travelers Time on etsy… Wicked cheap, 90 gram silky paper! Thank you for introducing me to a great system that has changed my life and job!!!

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been bullet journaling since last December in a moleskin and I keep seeing references to “TN” and “inserts” on Instagram… Finally understand what they’re talking about! Definitely will check this out for when I fill up my moleskin!

After buying my first May Designs book, I have been hooked on starting a TN system after finishing my Leuchtturm1917. I think I will have one for my collections, planning, and one for creative ideas. Thanks for posting about this!

I currently use a L1917 and I am really thinking about moving into a travelers notebook. I’m just confused about sizes; do different artist very the sizes or are they pretty standard? What size do you recommend? I love the size of my L1917 and would want to stick with that.

I’ve been researching bullet journaling since I was pregnant with my daughter. She is 8 months old now and I am finally going to start a system! I didn’t like the prospect of migrating collections or long term tracking, so I was trying to think of a way to use a travelers notebook to make my life easier. Your system is just the inspiration I needed! Thank you for sharing. I plan to have dot grids for my bullet journal (dailies, short term tasks and trackers) and for my collections insert which will also include future planning and long term trackers. I want a third notebook with blank thick pages that I can use for journaling, prayer journaling and multimedia art. I am so excited to start! Planning to start this journal has helped me to see my life more clearly and is bringing me Joy! What paper weight do you recommend for the bullet journal for no bleed through and for the multimedia art journal?

That sounds awesome Emily!! I know it can be daunting to do the bullet journal system until you find what works the best for you 🙂 The paper, it dpeends – are you using it to watercolor? I’ve seen 80# paper be used but if you use a lot of water you’d want a little heavier than that

So happy I found your post. Been struggling with my Bujo and my TN and was searching for info about bujo in a tn and then I found this post. Awesome!! And also very happy to find the facebookpage you mentioned. Thank you so much!